Below-par Pompey well beaten at Southend

Kenny Jackett’s men suffered a 3-1 loss at Southend this afternoon following a poor performance.

Matt Clarke’s own goal and Jason Demetriou’s strike put the Shrimpers two-up after 12 minutes.

Gareth Evans’ first league goal of the season reduced the deficit, yet the midfielder was injured in the process and had to be substituted.

Demetriou completed the scoreline on 84 minutes with a finish from the right.

By that stage Pompey had been down to 10-men following Nathan Thompson’s 64th minute red card, while moments later Brett Pitman went off injured.

It means makeshift midfielder Thompson is now out for three matches, while there are injury doubts over Evans and Pitman ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Fleetwood and potentially beyond.

Yet more availability concerns for Jackett, whose side have picked up just one win in 2018.

Despite an encouraging start, the Blues fell behind on six minutes through some poor defending.

Anton Walkes dawdled over a clearance, allowing Shayon Harrison to nip in first. The ball ricocheted to Matt Clarke and his left-footed clearance screwed into his own net.

Kenny Jackett’s side fell further behind on 12 minutes when Stephen McLaughlin laid the ball off to Demetriou and his first-time left-foot shot found the far corner.

Pompey continued to struggle finding a foothold in the first half, although reduced the deficit on 36 minutes.

Jamal Lowe’s cross from the right was latched onto by Pitman at the far post and Evans popped up to force it home from close range.

That would be Evans’ last contribution, forced off with an injury collected in that finish, replaced by Connor Ronan.

Pompey were reduced to 10-men on 64 minutes when Thompson was shown a straight red card following a challenge on Ben Coker.

Moments later, Pitman went down with an injury and had to be replaced by Oli Hawkins.

Demetriou wrapped up the victory on 84 minutes as the Blues slumped to another defeat.

Check out the latest League One table here.